How to Clean a Bathroom Sink Trap

Close-up of a sink drain with swirling water. Text: "How to Clean a Sink Trap," "Step-by-Step tutorial on clearing the clog."

We've all been there: the water slowly seeping down the drain at the pace of a half-dead tourtise. The sad realization that the pipes need to be serviced. If you are like us, you don't want to call in the big guns over something as simple as a clogged drain. This morning on Breakfast Television we walked Tim and Dina through the easy process of clearing out the clog. Here is a breakdown of what we shared, so that you too can tackle this common household issue.

What You’ll Need:

Yellow cone-shaped caution signs and a blue bucket on a light floor. Signs read "Cleaning in Progress" and "Wet Floor."

Bucket or bowl
Old towel or rag
Adjustable wrench or slip-joint pliers
Rubber gloves (optional)
Old toothbrush or bottle brush
Mild soap or vinegar (optional)

Step 1: Clear the Area

Move everything out from under the sink. Lay down an old towel to catch any drips and place a bucket underneath the pipe—right under the curved section (that’s the trap).

Step 2: Loosen the Slip Nuts

You’ll see two large plastic or metal nuts—one at each end of the curved trap pipe.

Put on gloves if you like.
Use your hands or a wrench to slowly unscrew both nuts.
Be careful—some water and gunk will likely come out when you disconnect the pipe.

Step 3: Remove and Clean the Trap

Take the trap off completely.

Dump the water and debris into the bucket.
Use an old toothbrush or bottle brush to scrub the inside.
Rinse it out in another sink or with a hose.
Add a bit of dish soap or vinegar for a deeper clean if needed.

Step 4: Check for Blockages in the Connecting Pipes

Take a peek inside the straight pipes leading in and out of the trap (the tailpiece and wall pipe).If you see any hair or buildup, gently pull it out or use your brush. We found that a lot of hair and gunk built up just inside the mouth of the drain.

Step 5: Reattach the Trap

Line the trap back up and screw the slip nuts back on by hand. Tighten just enough to prevent leaks—don’t over-tighten!

Water flows into a sink, creating bubbles around a silver drain stopper. The scene is grayscale, with a gentle swirling motion.

Step 6: Test for Leaks

Turn on the tap and let the water run for 10–15 seconds.

Check around the trap for drips.
If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts a little more.

Done!

You’ve successfully cleaned your sink trap! Water should drain faster now, and any odors might be gone too.

If you want to see those tips in action you can watch the BT segment here.